Likely Xericeps Pterosaur jaw fragment from the Kem Kem Beds

[msantix]

Recently i asked an expert about a Pterosaur beak fragment i bought a couple of years ago (along with other Kem Kem bones) and i sort of assumed originally that it was a rare jaw fragment of Alanqa Saharica, but after asking i was told it most likely belong to Xericeps - the other described Azhdarchoid Pterosaur from the  Kem Kem Beds.

 

I wanted to show it because i think it is a cool piece that is worth showing and is basically a highlight of my collection. It isn't perfect and it isn't complete (it is 8.5cm long) but it is a nice fossil and one i am very happy to have! Who knows, maybe it might help anyone else in the identification of Kem Kem Pterosaur jaws.

 

 

Here is the holotype jaw of Xericeps that i have been comparing the fossil to...

[Tidgy's Dad]

Very interesting.

Nice piece. 

[Troodon]

This illustration is that of cf alanqa and photo of holotype alanqa.  Yours appears to match the cross-section, width and slight curvature with Xericeps so thats my vote until they find another azhdarchidae pterosaur

 

 

[msantix]

Yep my thoughts as well - the cross section isn't as triangular that we see with Alanqa instead it is more circular (i do have a jaw of Alanqa and this fossil in question is different when compared so we ruled out Alanqa), it also has some foraminae that matches closely in position with the Xericeps holotype picture. So i guess Xericeps is the safe choice at least until more Pterosaur discoveries are made! It really is incredible and exciting some of the discoveries that are made in the Kem Kem Beds (in both formations).

 

   

 

[dinosaur man]

Cool jaw!!